Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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430. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a farmer, through no personal fault, lost 20% of that farmer's eligible holding in 2015, is excluded from the beef data and genomics programme; if he will review this rule in such circumstances; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20654/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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Payment under the Beef Data and Genomic Programme will be made on the basis of a maximum payable area (MPA), subject to compliance with all other requirements as specified in the Terms and Conditions. This area is calculated by dividing the number of calved cows in 2014 by 1.5 and it is this MPA that cannot be reduced below 20%, not the entire area declared on the Basic Payment Scheme.

If a farmer’s forage area was reduced in 2014 due to unforeseen circumstances he/she should write to the Beef Schemes Section, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine, Government Offices, Old Abbeyleix Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois setting out the reasons for the reduction. Each situation will be examined on an individual basis.

Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent)
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431. To ask the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the reason a farmer who had a reduced number of suckler cows in 2014 will be restricted to such numbers over the six years of the beef data and genomics programme; if he will review this rule, and introduce a three-year rolling reference; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20655/15]

Simon Coveney (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)
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The year 2014 was established as the base year for the Beef Data and Genomics Programme (BDGP) for both eligible land and animals. The scheme forms part of Ireland’s Rural Development Programme and was agreed following extensive negotiations with the Commission. During these negotiations it was made clear to officials from my Department that using future year animal numbers as a basis for payment would not be allowed as it was contrary to WTO rules in that it would incentivise production.

However, the Department is aware that some farmers had reduced their stock levels in 2014 for various reasons. In accordance with paragraph 11 of the published Terms and Conditions my Department will consider the possibility of using 2015 suckler numbers in limited circumstances such as force majeureor for new entrants. In cases such as these, approved applicants can make such request s after they have been approved to enter the scheme.